DAN stands for Divers Alert Network, or as it is familiarly known the 'diver's safety net' DAN was born in 1980 following the initiative of certain scientists and university professors of international standing, in the USA and in Italy, who had understood that the managing of a diving emergency requires a special knowledge, not commonly found as part of normal medical structures.

DAN's mission is that of operating and maintaining an international network of alarm centers, active 24 hours a day, guaranteeing, in the event of an emergency, specialized assistance, to any diver, anywhere in the world.

DAN also provides diving medical advice, carries out research into diving safety, organizes courses and seminars with the aim of increasing the knowledge and sense of responsibility of recreational divers and provides financial and technical assistance to hyperbaric treatment centers in developing countries.